Brevard County-based Health First has announced a bold $230 million expansion project for Palm Bay Hospital, aimed at significantly boosting the hospital’s capacity and modernizing its services to keep pace with the region’s rapid growth. The project includes the construction of a new five-story patient tower, with the schematic design phase set to begin in August 2025 and construction slated to start in summer 2026. Completion is expected by 2028.
Transformative Additions and Capacity Boost
The new patient tower will be a game-changer for the hospital, adding 60 inpatient beds to alleviate current capacity challenges. Key features of the expansion include:
Expanded operating rooms, catheterization (Cath) labs, and pre-op/recovery spaces
An upgraded Sterile Processing Department to support clinical operations
Two shelled floors designed for future growth, potentially allowing for up to 60 additional beds
Relocated and doubled operating rooms, Cath labs, and surgical prep areas
Improved hospital navigation, enhanced patient experience, and expanded parking for visitors and staff
A Facility Built for the Future
Currently located on Malabar Road, Palm Bay Hospital houses 120 beds, employs over 200 physicians, and offers more than 40 medical specialties. In 2024 alone, its 27-bed Emergency Department treated over 53,000 emergency cases.
Originally built in 1992 as a 60-bed micro-hospital, Palm Bay Hospital has seen several expansions over the years. However, the facility was not originally designed to accommodate the explosive population growth Palm Bay and Brevard County have experienced in the last decade.
“As we have for over 30 years, Health First is committed to growing with and meeting the needs of our community,” said Health First President and CEO Terry Forde. “This Palm Bay Hospital expansion project is one of many ambitious investments we have long planned, and we’re very proud and excited to see these plans quickly becoming a reality.”
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Community-Driven Vision
Palm Bay is the fastest-growing city in Brevard County and among the most rapidly growing in the United States. The expansion is driven by the healthcare system’s ongoing commitment to serve its growing population.
“Palm Bay Hospital has faithfully served the south Brevard community since 1992,” said Kyle Baxter, President of Palm Bay Hospital. “I join our associates, providers, and volunteers in expressing our pride and excitement for this expansion that will improve access to quality care and enhance the health and wellness of our community.”
Part of a Broader Healthcare Overhaul
This major investment is part of Health First’s broader, nearly $800 million healthcare transformation across Brevard County. It follows the recent closure of the system’s Rockledge hospital as the organization realigns resources to better serve its communities.
Health First has not yet announced the design or construction firms involved in the Palm Bay project. The architect, engineers, and general contractor are expected to be named before the schematic design phase begins in August 2025.
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Palm Bay Hospital Expansion Project Fact Sheet
Project Overview
Project Value: $230 million
Location: Palm Bay Hospital, Malabar Road, Brevard County, Florida
Owner: Health First
Timeline: Schematic design begins August 2025, construction starts summer 2026, completion expected 2028
Project Scope
New Construction: Five-story patient tower
Capacity Addition: 60 new inpatient beds (doubling current capacity)
Future Expansion: Two shelled floors for potential 60 additional beds
Health First’s Palm Bay Hospital expansion: Key Features
Expanded operating rooms, catheterization labs, and pre-op/recovery spaces
Upgraded Sterile Processing Department
Relocated and doubled surgical facilities
Enhanced hospital navigation and patient experience
Expanded parking for visitors and staff
Current Facility Profile
Beds: 120 inpatient beds
Staff: Over 200 physicians
Specialties: More than 40 medical specialties
Emergency Department: 27 beds serving 53,000+ cases annually (2024)
History: Built in 1992 as 60-bed micro-hospital, expanded multiple
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